10 Best Places Where Locals Love to Eat on Hawaii Big Island

Jackie Rey’s Ohana Grill sits a few blocks back from the beach in a suburban area of southern Kailua-Kona, a world away from the hubbub of the city’s otherwise touristic heart. And although you won’t get an ocean view at this casual local haunt, the seafood here is splendid, and the service is superb.

The laidback seafood shack specialises in the catch of the day, with wasabi-crusted calamari and linguini sauce-laden clams among its standout dishes. Of course, plenty of landlubber’s favourites are available, too, such as juicy barbeque ribs and succulent pork chops. Or better yet, enjoy the best of both worlds with their signature Surf n’ Turf.

There’s no question Hawaiian Style Café lives up to its name – the homely cafeteria serves a mouthwatering array of regional delicacies like loco moco, mahi-mahi fish sandwiches, and breakfast bowls brimming with pineapple. All your favourite American classics adorn the menu as well, with huge portions that are almost enough for 2. Big eaters should give the Loco-Moco-Saurus a try; it's a monster of a meal that few punters manage to finish.

The Hilo Bay venue sits a few blocks off the beach, so ask for takeout if you want to dine with a sea view. There’s also another branch up north in Waimea that serves the same delicious fare.

Island Fish & Chips doesn’t look like much; it’s a hole-in-the-wall kind of place in a non-descript Waikoloa shopping strip. But looks can be deceiving as this affordable eatery plates up some of the finest seafood on the island. The tastiest dish would have to be the fresh fish tacos, although the signature fish and chips comes in a close second, served extra flaky and smothered in crispy batter.

Other awesome options include the crab cakes and volcano shrimps, both of which are best devoured with a side of sweet pineapple slaw. There’s no in-house seating, so grab a spot on the public gazebo by the waterway.

Head to Café 100 to sample the original loco moco, a popular regional dish. Legend has it this unpretentious local eatery served its first incarnation back in the ’40s. Not sure what to expect? You’ll get a mountain of white rice with a succulent slab of meat smothered in gravy and topped with an egg, sunny-side up. Café 100 dishes out 30 varieties of this quintessential Hawaiian classic, featuring everything from fish to chicken and Portuguese ham.

Locals also love this famous Hilo Bay haunt for its meatloaf, pupu platters, and other decadent comfort foods. Regardless of what you order, it’ll cost very little and come out in less than 5 minutes flat.

Da Poke Shack is the best place on Hawaii’s Big Island to sample – you guessed it – poke, a diced raw fish dish traditional to Hawaii. A mind-boggling array of tempting poke variations adorns the menu at this casual takeaway haunt, including a few pulled-pork options for the non-fish-eaters out there.

Tuna aficionados should try the Spicy Pele’s Kiss, but be warned – it packs a hell of a punch. Less eye-watering sauces like Korean soy and homemade mayo add flavour to every bite, while sides like garlic sesame edamame keep your belly content. Can’t pick just one? Da Poke Shack does a quadruple poke sampler dish. Come early and expect to wait in line because the joint sells out almost every day.

Cafe Pesto serves the most mouth-watering Italian fare in Hilo, boasting a delectable selection of wood-fired pizzas and handmade pasta to tempt the palate. In addition to your traditional time-honoured recipes, the team plates up a few contemporary fusion options like wasabi snow crab Caesar salad or stromboli with shrimp tempura.

Although the salads (try the pesto) and sandwiches are on point, most folks come for the pizza, served extra crispy, and topped with anything from chipotle-seasoned chicken to shiitake mushrooms and chilli-grilled shrimp. Make a reservation because the place packs out with local businessmen and hungry travellers alike.